Biologist; Mosquitos

Position Objective

Position Objective: The Biologist shall provide services in support of the overall functions of the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research (LMVR), Division of Intramural Research (DIR).

• Responsible for biosafety measures at the Twinbrook 3 Insectary Facility (TW3-IF) to protect researchers and staff from exposure to insect bites and vector-borne infectious agents.
• Responsible for the implementation of protocols and physical barriers to ensure the containment of mosquitoes at TW3-IF.
• Oversee researchers conducting experiments with infectious agents and maintain containment of mosquitoes harboring human pathogens (viruses and parasites) in the high-security area of TW3-IF.
• Maintain and manipulate mosquitoes infected with human pathogens in the biosafety section of the insectary.
• Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the maintenance and manipulation of genetically modified mosquitoes.
• Develop SOPs for the morphological and molecular taxonomic identification of the various mosquito species reared in the insectary.
• Conduct regular taxonomic identification of mosquitoes to prevent cross-contamination between different species reared at TW3-IF.
• Assist with the experimental infection of mosquitoes with murine malaria parasites.
• Oversee the biosafety component of mosquito colony maintenance
• Develop and implement SOPs for the production of various species and strains of Anopheline mosquitoes in a secure insectary.
• Perform laboratory quality control, including upkeep and routine maintenance of equipment upon government approval. Handle biological materials, infectious agents, biological waste and other tasks as required.
• Write reports detailing findings, methods, and procedures—including any modifications employed—specimens and materials involved, and experimental results. Interpret, evaluate, and discuss results with the project officer as appropriate for subsequent studies.
• Prepare various media, stock supplies, and other reagents for laboratory use.
• Ensure sufficient quantities of selected species and strains of Anopheles mosquitoes are available each week for experimental purposes.
• Perform a variety of complex procedures involving molecular biology techniques related to malaria parasites and the mosquitoes that transmit them. As these parasites are human pathogens, some procedures will require work in a BSL-2 environment.
• Assist in preparing manuscripts for publication and perform literature searches for laboratory methodologies as needed.
• Maintain accurate daily records of experiments and results in bound laboratory notebooks and electronic databases. Make minor modifications or adaptations to established methods, procedures, and techniques to solve workplace problems.
• Assist post-baccalaureate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientific visitors in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment and specialized procedures and techniques.
• Collaborate with investigators on experiments to develop genetically modified lines of Anopheline mosquitoes.
• Develop and implement record-keeping systems to document the production of various mosquito lots.
• Discuss data and consult with external investigators as requested by the Federal Task Leader.
• Perform computer data analysis and use specialized software programs to prepare data for publication.
• Calibrate and operate various laboratory instruments.